Carl Cox's timeless creative career advice

Howard Gray -

Carl Cox is a DJ legend. He’s played at midnight on New Year's Eve twice in one night (Sydney and Hawaii). Held Ibiza's biggest residency for 15 years. And his approach to DJing can teach you more about presenting ideas than any TED Talk…

Cox started out running a mobile disco in 1970s South London. Almost five decades later, he’s one of the world’s most popular DJs - and still enormously popular at 62 years old.

How so?

The guy is clear a master at engaging an audience.

But I wonder if his greatest skill is to make average material sound good, good sound great, and great… well, you get the idea.

Here are two of Carl Cox’s approaches to DJing that I believe can help any of us share our work with others. Even better, they’re handy pieces of broader career guidance, too.

⏩ 1: Two tracks ahead

“Every record has a beginning, middle and end. I'm thinking two records ahead all the time, rather than just reveling in whatever's currently playing. If you enjoy it too much, your next record may fall flat because you haven't prepared.”

It’s so tempting to bathe in successes, or luxuriate in what feels safe and comfortable. Instead, think ahead: two slides, two concepts, two weeks, two projects…

🦎 2: Create unique blends

“…unique blends are a big part of why people go to see DJs.... I do sometimes let a record do its thing, but then how am I different from the next DJ? If instead I play this record with another one that enhances it, you'll probably never hear that again. I've always thought this way… it's a big reason why people come back and see me.”

Standing out is hard. Especially today. Unique blends let us stand out without have to conjure a miracle every day. Combine unexpected ideas; link concepts; show us something we’ll never hear or see again. (and do the same with skills: drawing+financial planning; DJing+writing…)

Now, let's turn the tables (oh yes, oh yes):

  • How can you think two tracks ahead in your work?
  • What unexpected skills or ideas can you blend to create something unique?